Planning of a District Heating Small Modular Reactor
Draft Local Detailed Plans for the Kuopio Small Modular Reactor Project
The City of Kuopio has prepared draft local detailed plans concerning the Hepomäki and Sorsasalo industrial areas. The Urban Structure Committee has decided, on 25 March 2026, to make the draft-stage planning materials available for public viewing.
As part of the local detailed planning process, the potential siting of a small modular nuclear reactor for district heating purposes is being examined in response to the needs of Kuopion Energia Ltd. The Finnish Environment Institute is organising a hearing on the local detailed plans in accordance with the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context.
This page compiles the translated planning documents for the draft-stage international consultation. The Finnish-language materials are available via the following links: Hepomäki Industrial Area and Sorsasalo Industrial Area.
Draft-stage materials for the local detailed plan and amendment to the local detailed plan for the Hepomäki Industrial Area:
The material will be added later.
Draft-stage materials for the local detailed plan and amendment to the local detailed plan for the Sorsasalo Industrial Area:
The material will be added later.
Public Information Event on a Small Modular Reactor for District Heating
The City of Kuopio organised a public information event open to all on the use of small modular reactors in district heating production on 5 September 2024. The event presented to local residents what small modular reactors are and how they can be utilised in district heating generation. In addition, information was provided on permitting procedures, regulatory oversight, and land use planning as part of the planning of small modular reactors.
The event was organised as part of the EU-funded TANDEM project, in which the Finnish participants include Fortum and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The project focuses on developing methods and tools to facilitate the safe and efficient integration of small modular reactors into low-carbon energy systems. Furthermore, the project also develops approaches for public engagement. The event included presentations by Kuopion Energia, Steady Energy, VTT, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland (STUK), and the City of Kuopio.
Presentation Materials – Public Information Event (5 September 2024)
The material will be added later.
Contact information
Telephone enquiries related to land use planning are handled from Monday to Thursday. When visiting the City Council House in person, an appointment must be scheduled in advance.
Roope Ruhanen
Planning Designer
Annika Korhonen
City Planning Manager